“She was letting out this screeching howl that alerted my neighbour and he finally found me at 6.30pm.

“She kept barking for help but never left my side. She kept me warm and alert. I knew I had to persevere through this and that it was my choice to stay alive.”

Staying alive was a miracle as Bob’s core temperature plunged to 21C and hypothermia set in.

Miraculously, the biting cold did not cause frostbite.

NC

Doctors carried out emergency surgery and brought sensations back to his legs

Bob added: "I was surprised to find out that I didn't have any frostbite. I am sure it was because of Kelsey's determination to keep me warm and safe.”

The seriously ill owner was rushed to McLaren Northern Hospital in Petoskey, Michigan, where he was operated on by neurosurgeon Dr Chaim Colen.

“I don’t think he would be living unless the dog were there,” said Dr Colen said.

“The dog kept him warm and his extremities warm. He didn’t have any frostbite and it was 24 degrees (minus 4) that night.

“After the surgery, miraculously, he started to move his extremities with greater strength. He has done very well. People don’t usually recover so fast.”

Bob is undergoing intensive at a rehabilitation centre and has begun walking again.

Doctors expect him to make a full recovery.

He says he has two heroes to thank: “Kelsey kept me warm, alert, and never stopped barking for help. Dr Colen saved my life and ability to move. They are truly heroes and I will be eternally grateful.”